Marcos Castañeda

Marcos was a man who loved the people in his life fiercely and without reservation. He adored his three children, Marc, Nick, and Jessica, and took immense pride in their accomplishments and endeavors. He also invested his time in them. He enjoyed taking his children out to eat at his favorite restaurants, which included Tacos El Canelo for menudo, Cassell's Hamburgers in Koreatown, and Guelaguetza in Downtown. He also loved film and going to the movies with his children, who secretly hoped the movie was bad because he would make sarcastic comments throughout, which were more entertaining than the movie itself. He also enjoyed taking his family on hikes through Towsley Canyon. He showed his pride in his children by rotating his wardrobe of college sweatshirts representing their alma maters. Above all, he never missed an opportunity to tell his children that he loved them.

When his children found their partners, Marcos welcomed them as members of the family from the very beginning. He quickly grew to love Jessica's husband Danny, Nick's wife Devin, and Marc's husband Adam. Few moments brought him greater joy than the arrival of his grandchildren — Kalina, Benito, and Lilia — who enriched his life immeasurably with joy and affection. His family is profoundly grateful that he was present to celebrate the weddings of all three of his children and to welcome each of his grandchildren into the world.

Marcos was equally devoted to his friendships and his community. A naturally social person, he had an active social life and loved gathering with friends at restaurants, family parties, and community events. He enjoyed conversation, laughter, and debate, and was never afraid to speak his mind. Whether discussing family, work, politics, or current events, he shared his views with conviction, clarity, and confidence, often serving as a mentor and trusted advisor to those around him.

His commitment to people extended beyond his immediate circle. One of his favorite phrases was “Power to the People,” a mantra that reflected his values and lifelong dedication to public service. Before joining the State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF), Marcos served as a staff member for several Los Angeles City Councilmembers, including Ernani Bernardi, Richard Alarcón, and Richard Alatorre. A gifted communicator and consensus builder, he helped gather votes on important issues affecting LA communities. He was particularly proud of his role in the closure of the Lopez Canyon Landfill in Sylmar, an effort that improved the quality of life for local residents and demonstrated that community voices could influence public policy. In 1997, Marcos was himself elected to the Los Angeles Charter Commission as a commissioner working to rewrite the city's charter.Marcos continued his commitment to public service through more than two decades at SCIF. Although he reached retirement eligibility, he chose to continue working because he genuinely loved what he did and valued the relationships he built throughout his career.

Outside his employment, he devoted countless hours to serving families in Pacoima through MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity), where he volunteered annually to help distribute holiday packages to families in the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Marcos worked at a nonprofit distributing much-needed resources to the community. Weekly you could also find him volunteering at local food distributions and speaking with families at St. Dominic’s LGBTQ support group.

Marcos now rests in eternal peace alongside his beloved mother, Ernestina Castañeda. He is survived by his father, Guadalupe Jose; his brothers, Jaime, Victor, and Luis; his sisters, Mayte and Lourdes; his children, Marc, Nick, and Jessica; his grandchildren, Kalina, Benito, and Lilia; and countless extended family members, friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Though Marcos no longer walks beside us, his voice still echoes in our hearts, his spirit continues to inspire us, and his love will guide and comfort us for years to come. His compassion for others, his commitment to justice, and his unwavering belief in the dignity of ordinary people defined his life. The world is better because he was in it, and his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make donations to one of these medical charities, as our father had long battles with diabetes, kidney disease, and coronary artery disease.

Breakthrough T1D: https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?2376.donation=form1&df_id=2376&mfc_pref=T

American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/?form=FUNYHSQXNZD

National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/?campaign=497078